Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Hygiene
What attributes contribute to success in dental hygiene?
Candidates for dental hygiene should have above average academic skills, good organizational practices, a sense of social responsibility and caring, a good attitude towards team work, the ability to think critically and problem solve and a real desire to serve the public. Leadership skills are an asset. They should be independent learners with the ability to integrate information and apply it. Manual dexterity (ability to perform fine motor skills) and good spatial perception are essential. Cooperation, empathy and social responsibility are positive characteristics for students and graduates.
What is the waiting period for admission once a candidate is on the Program Application List?
2.5 years
If I take the Certified Dental Assistant Program, are any of the credits transferable to the Dental Hygiene Program?
The dental hygiene student may challenge the first level of Radiography. If successful in the challenge the student receives credit for the first level of Radiography (theory and pre clinical).
If I take the Certified Dental Assistant Program, will it give me an advantage when I apply to the Dental Hygiene Program?
There is no short cut to obtaining a seat in the Dental Hygiene Program. Everyone must take the required university level pre requisites (34 Credits). You must apply to Admissions and Registration and be accepted. Once accepted, your admission date will depend on your position on the Program Application List. Camosun College’s policy is first qualified and accepted, first served.
Having basic knowledge of the field of dentistry is an advantage with respect to orientation to dental hygiene. Having worked as a certified dental assistant will acquaint you with many facets of the working environment of dentistry.
What is Accreditation?
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) was established in 1988 by the Canadian Dental Association as an autonomous body responsible for accrediting dental, dental hygiene and dental assisting education programs in Canada.
Accreditation is a non-governmental, peer review process that measures education programs and hospital dental services against predetermined national requirements or standards, respectively. CDAC acts as a partner with the profession, educational institutions and health facilities to protect and further the public interest through the accreditation process.
In BC students graduating from an accredited Dental Hygiene program are not required to undergo further examination of their clinical skills in order to become registered with the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia.
Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada
How many seats are offered per year in the Dental Hygiene Program?
24
When does the Program take in students?
There is one intake each September.
Is there a student residence on Campus?
No, however the following links may assist you with finding accommodation: www.myidealhome.com/ccss/
I am a male student. How will the faculty, staff and students relate to me?
Camosun College provides opportunities for all who are qualified for entry to the Dental Hygiene Program. A number of male students have successfully completed the Program and enjoy the practice of dental hygiene.
May I talk to an instructor about getting into the Program?
Instructors are not readily available for consultation, however you may speak with an Academic Advisor who may refer you to an instructor if necessary. The Program Secretary may also have some initial information.
Are out of province applicants accepted?
Yes
Is any of the Program available through distance delivery?
No.
How do I go about applying for the Dental Hygiene Program?
Information and application forms are available on the Web. If you still have questions, the Program Secretary may be reached at the 250-370-3189.
What else can I do to help me decide whether this is the profession for me?
Observe a dental hygienist in a clinical practice setting for at least two days and conduct an interview to explore the various aspects of the work and the professional obligations. Consult the Camosun College Dental Hygiene Program Website for information on the professional program and come to an Information Session.
How long is the Program and how many hours of class are scheduled per week?
The program is 2, 10-month years long. Classes are scheduled for 25-27 hours per week. Homework commitments vary per student but amount to about 3 to 4 hours per day including weekends.
What are the qualifications of the faculty?
Most faculty have a Masters Degree and one faculty member is a dentist.
Could you tell me which courses are eligible as pre-requisites?
Consult Academic Advising for appropriate university transfer courses. Generally the course must transfer to a university for at least three credits per semester. Biology and Chemistry require labs and therefore are usually 8 credits (4 per semester).
I am a qualified health professional (doctor, dentist, nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, chiropractor, massage therapist). May I apply to the program without taking the pre requisites and /or will I be exempted from any courses?
Prior Learning Assessment is not available for the Dental Hygiene Program. If you have taken equivalent courses to the pre requisites recently, these may be considered. You may have your situation evaluated by the Academic Advisors.
Official transcripts of your professional education must be submitted in English for evaluation. Translations are available through International Credential Evaluation Service at BCIT .
I am currently working on my admission requirements. May I apply now for admissions?
You will be considered for admission to the program only when you have completed the pre requisites and submitted the required documents. Once an application is complete it is assigned an admission number. Candidates are offered seats in the order in which they qualify. If you apply before your requirements are completed, your file must be complete within the year or another complete application is required.
How are selections done?
Once accepted, your name goes on the Program Applicant List. Please keep your contact information current. Seat offers are mailed out during the previous year, with a one month reply period. If you do not respond, your name is removed from the Applicant List. There is no interview, no lottery, and no entry examination.
I am number……on the applicant list. When will I get into the Program?
We cannot accurately estimate when you will be given the opportunity to study Dental Hygiene at Camosun College. Some people drop off the list or defer acceptance for one year and therefore the numbers may be misleading. Contact Admissions at (250) 370-3550 or Toll Free in Canada (877) 554-7555 to confirm your number on the Program Applicant List.
If I accept a seat at Camosun College for first year, may I transfer to another College for Second Year?
This is not advised. The Colleges offer similar programs but the course sequencing may be different. You may be required to take additional courses in order to qualify for admissions to second year at another college. Admission to another college is usually dependent on space and equivalence of your completed course work. All of your courses and projects will have to be evaluated by the receiving institution (usually for a fee).
Do I have to take the Degree in Dental Hygiene after completing the diploma program at the College?
At this time the Degree is not required for entry to dental hygiene practice. The Degree may be completed in one year (full-time) or up to 5 years (part-time) after graduation from a BC diploma program, in partnership with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver (note: mostly on-line).
Are there any health problems associated with practicing Dental Hygiene?
Existing back, wrist problems or allergies may be made worse by working as a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist needs to have good vision and good general health. Failure to adhere to good ergonomic positioning while performing clinical work can easily lead to problems with your back, neck and wrists.
Will I have to have any injections in the Dental Hygiene Program?
Yes. Students both give and receive injections when they are learning to administer local anesthetic.
What precautions are taken to protect dental hygienists from communicable diseases?
Universal precautions are used as barriers to communicable diseases. Potential candidates are advised to have current general immunization, especially for Hepatitis B and influenza .
I am entering the Dental Hygiene Program this Fall. How much are the Fees and can I get a student loan?
A package outlining fees will be sent to you in early July. The estimated costs are on the Camosun College Website. Dental Hygiene costs are about $14,000 over the entire program. Student Loan Applications - contact Financial Aid, 250-370–3596 for information on available funding sources.
Am I able to take the Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR C in the Fall of the first year of the program?
In some circumstances, you may be permitted to take this training in the Fail. If you have been given only three weeks notice for entering the program you have until November 1 to take this training, otherwise you must present these certificates on Orientation Day (the first day of classes). CPR C must be valid upon graduation and a refresher course is provided in the curriculum in Year 2.
Must I attend the orientation, the first day after Labour Day?
Yes. Failure to attend the orientation, may result in forfeiture of your seat.
Is there any reading I can do ahead of time to prepare for the Program?
The text-book list is mailed out in your package in early July. It is a good idea to pick up your books starting the 3rd week of August and become familiar with dental terminology prior to entering the Program. Be sure that you purchase the specified edition of the text. Some used books are available from graduates however the edition of the required books may be different.
Are the uniforms required for classes and labs of a specific make or colour?
The top and bottom scrubs need to match and be of solid colour. The colour is up to you, however, it should be professional in appearance. Waiting until after the orientation to purchase required attire is recommended. Some local suppliers may offer a reduced rate for Camosun College Students.
How does registration work for each semester?
Registration for each semester courses is done at the beginning of the semester. Fall Semester – Year 1, Admissions registers the student in all courses. Each student is required to register for each and every course each semester thereafter.
May I tour the building prior to Orientation?
Yes. Once accepted, you are welcome to bring your family (parents or children) to show them where you will be. Please arrange this through the Program Secretary 250-370-3189.
Will I have a locker or a personal storage space for my books and clothing?
Lockers are available in the Dental Health Education Center. These are assigned to you on the first day of class with the Program Secretary, paying your rental fees to the Bookstore. Your locker number and combination must be given to the Program Secretary.
Where can I buy text-books and course materials?
In the Camosun College Lansdowne Campus Bookstore.
How are practical/clinical sessions organized in the Dental Hygiene Program?
The Dental Health Education Center has a 24 chair modern clinic where pre clinical and clinical sessions are scheduled. Students also may be required to observe in a dental practice or visit alternative dental hygiene practice settings. Observations are arranged by permission of the faculty.
When can I expect to receive my Diploma in Dental Hygiene once I have completed the requirements?
Approximately six weeks after the completion of requirements, your diploma will be mailed to your designated mailing address.
How can I find out about registration as a dental hygienist after graduation?
You will be given information in the Program. The College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia is the regulatory authority for Dental Hygienists. Information on registration details can be obtained through them.
Are post diploma studies in dental hygiene available?
A Degree in Dental Hygiene is available at University of British Columbia (UBC). Dental hygienists with a diploma from the following BC Colleges may complete the program in one additional year of full time study or over five years of part-time study (College of New Caledonia, Vancouver Community College and Camosun College). UBC also offers a Masters of Science Program and a PhD in Oral Biology that accept qualified dental hygienists. The University of Alberta offers a Degree and Degree Completion Programs in Dental Hygiene.
Graduate Studies are also available in the United States.
Do you have refresher courses in dental hygiene?
No. Contact the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia for information on refresher courses. 250-383-4104.
Do you offer post diploma education in prosthodontics or local anesthetic?
If there is a demand, a course can be offered. Call Continuing Education and register your request at 250-370-4785.
How much do Dental Hygiene Graduates earn to start?
The starting salary ranges from $30-35 per hour on Vancouver Island.
Does the College organize employment?
The student dental hygienist learns how to prepare a resume and research dental hygiene employment opportunities. Several learning activities are designed around finding and keeping employment and career development. Notices of employment opportunities for graduates are posted on the student notice board. Students may also consult the Camosun College Student and Alumni Employment Services or employ@camosun.bc.ca
